Caitlin Anderson - Doula (DONA) || Photographer || Mother
"For the past 5 years, I have specialized in photographing the special moments that you want recorded forever: the long anticipated first breathe that your brand new child takes. The tears of joy on your mother's face as she meets her hour old grandbaby. The adorable squishiness of a week old newborn. All of these are precious memories in need of capturing, and I am honored to photograph them for you."
I was inspired to become a midwife after being able to watch the births of my siblings. It was a wonderful experience that left me amazed by the power and beauty of birth. I learned how difficult and challenging a birth can be, and at the same time, so simple.
I began my training in 2012 through The Midwifery Institute of America, and started reading every birth, pregnancy, and baby book I could get my hands on. I've talked with dozens of women and heard their stories, and I've read hundreds of articles and studies on birth. After talking with several midwives, and getting their suggestions, I decided to also pursue training as a birth doula, and in June 2013, I became a DONA trained Doula. It is my hope that I can help women empower themselves to do amazing things.
In August 2016 I delivered my first, a healthy baby girl. Then 19 short months later, in March 2018, I had a little boy. Both were delivered by the midwives at Mercy's Birthing Center in Des Peres, MO.
I believe in the very personal and powerful nature of birth, and that women are designed perfectly by God to deliver their babies. Every woman deserves to birth in the way that feels best and safest for her. Pregnancy is an amazing time when a family makes many physical, emotional, and spiritual changes. During our prenatal visits, I will enjoy helping you clarify and support your hopes and preferences for labor. We can discuss what your beliefs, fears and expectations are, practice comfort and relaxation techniques, as well as create a postpartum plan.
When labor starts and you feel like you need extra support, I could meet you at your home. Laboring at home provides emotional and physical comfort, allows you to rest in between contractions better, and helps you feel at ease and in control. When the time comes to go to the hospital, I will do my best to make sure you have a smooth and comfortable transition.
Once at the hospital or birth center, I will help you set up a birth environment that makes you feel safe and relaxed, allowing you to feel uninhibited enough to create a space to listen to your body. I believe that your baby is also an active participant in your birth who works in astonishing ways with your body, which is why the atmosphere needs to be kept positive, loving, and supportive. I will help to provide a respectful and caring experience between you and your birth partner and the hospital staff by helping you advocate with confidence your needs and desires. My belief is that when you have a positive birth experience, it nourishes your confidence and creates a foundation for you, as new parents, to flourish. I feel honored, as a doula, to be invited into such a wondrous family event. Birth is a memory that will be imprinted on you forever, and I am deeply grateful to be in the presence of growing families during such an important time.
My Training:
Midwifery Institute of America Correspondence Course - August 2012
DONA Doula Training Workshop - June 2013
Waterbirth International ~ Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond - February 2014
Certificates:
Childbirth Education Class - June 2013
Breastfeeding Education Class - August 2013
Supplementary Training:
Herbal First Aid - April 2013
doTERRA Essential Oils - October 2013
Continuing Education:
Missouri Midwives Association Retreat ~ 2012, 2013
Childbirth Education Class - July 2016
Memberships:
Missouri Midwives Association St. Louis ~ 2012 - Present
Birth Without Fear doTERRA Assistant Leader ~ 2013 - Present
I was inspired to become a midwife after being able to watch the births of my siblings. It was a wonderful experience that left me amazed by the power and beauty of birth. I learned how difficult and challenging a birth can be, and at the same time, so simple.
I began my training in 2012 through The Midwifery Institute of America, and started reading every birth, pregnancy, and baby book I could get my hands on. I've talked with dozens of women and heard their stories, and I've read hundreds of articles and studies on birth. After talking with several midwives, and getting their suggestions, I decided to also pursue training as a birth doula, and in June 2013, I became a DONA trained Doula. It is my hope that I can help women empower themselves to do amazing things.
In August 2016 I delivered my first, a healthy baby girl. Then 19 short months later, in March 2018, I had a little boy. Both were delivered by the midwives at Mercy's Birthing Center in Des Peres, MO.
I believe in the very personal and powerful nature of birth, and that women are designed perfectly by God to deliver their babies. Every woman deserves to birth in the way that feels best and safest for her. Pregnancy is an amazing time when a family makes many physical, emotional, and spiritual changes. During our prenatal visits, I will enjoy helping you clarify and support your hopes and preferences for labor. We can discuss what your beliefs, fears and expectations are, practice comfort and relaxation techniques, as well as create a postpartum plan.
When labor starts and you feel like you need extra support, I could meet you at your home. Laboring at home provides emotional and physical comfort, allows you to rest in between contractions better, and helps you feel at ease and in control. When the time comes to go to the hospital, I will do my best to make sure you have a smooth and comfortable transition.
Once at the hospital or birth center, I will help you set up a birth environment that makes you feel safe and relaxed, allowing you to feel uninhibited enough to create a space to listen to your body. I believe that your baby is also an active participant in your birth who works in astonishing ways with your body, which is why the atmosphere needs to be kept positive, loving, and supportive. I will help to provide a respectful and caring experience between you and your birth partner and the hospital staff by helping you advocate with confidence your needs and desires. My belief is that when you have a positive birth experience, it nourishes your confidence and creates a foundation for you, as new parents, to flourish. I feel honored, as a doula, to be invited into such a wondrous family event. Birth is a memory that will be imprinted on you forever, and I am deeply grateful to be in the presence of growing families during such an important time.
My Training:
Midwifery Institute of America Correspondence Course - August 2012
DONA Doula Training Workshop - June 2013
Waterbirth International ~ Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond - February 2014
Certificates:
Childbirth Education Class - June 2013
Breastfeeding Education Class - August 2013
Supplementary Training:
Herbal First Aid - April 2013
doTERRA Essential Oils - October 2013
Continuing Education:
Missouri Midwives Association Retreat ~ 2012, 2013
Childbirth Education Class - July 2016
Memberships:
Missouri Midwives Association St. Louis ~ 2012 - Present
Birth Without Fear doTERRA Assistant Leader ~ 2013 - Present
...Give joyful thanks to the Father,
who has qualified you to share in the inheritance
of His holy people in the kingdom of light.
~ Colossians 1:12, NIV